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News flash: pastels are not just for declaring “it’s a boy” or decorating a child’s Easter basket. As a major component of any Fashionista or Fashionisto with a little prep in their step’s closet, pastels go hand in hand with spring. They are guaranteed to lighten the mood and brighten up your wardrobe, and, according to this Fashionisto, are even better when worn in twos.

While the combination of orange and blue may not be one’s first thought when imagining complementary colors, the unexpected pair works perfectly in pastels. For a DIY approach, pick two of your favorite colors; use the first to select a button-down, and the second to select a pair of colored chinos or khaki shorts, depending on the weather. Whether purposefully paired or a faux-pas turned fashion, the most unexpected mix of colors can end appear artfully put together.

Whether you’re on a boat, the beach or the pavement leading you to class, boat shoes are the perfect spring shoe. They’re practical, comfortable and versatile; in a neutral leather color the Sperry Top-Siders will allow how ever many pastels you’re rocking to shine bright. Alternatively, like the aforementioned clothing items, you can find boat shoes themselves in many hues, fabrics and styles. For the bold, this shoe comes in pastels as well. Whether to throw a third color into the mix or to brighten a dull outfit, these shoes will be well worth it, as the more worn they get, the better they look.

In order to make the pairing of colors successful, it’s all about having neutral accessories. To break up the two blocks of color in one’s outfit, a neutral belt that will match every color-combination is key. This Fashionisto chose a dark leather belt with a metal buckle, a subtle but classy addition to an outfit ready for a round of golf, a day at the polo match or maybe even just a day on the quad. Last but not least, sunglasses are the cherry on top of any outfit, and in brown they will serve whichever one you’re wearing that day.